KEY PLAYERS: In his sophomore season, coach Tom Buteyn is hoping to take an experienced squad into the new look of the O-K White. The first key to the Eagles' lineup is a pair of first-team all-conference guards. Senior Paris Madison (5-5) earned the nod last year in her second year on varsity. She brings quickness and smart play, while she controls the team on the court. Matching up with Madison is senior guard Tyra Smith (5-5). Also starting for her third season, Smith is fast and quick to the ball, and serves as a top defender. Playing her second year, junior forward Haley Muller (6-0) offers some height as a threat both inside and out. Muller plays both smart and strong. Looking to log more minutes this year is a foursome of senior returners. Kailey Deurloo (5-6), Kate Conzelmann (5-5), Amber Zandee (6-0) and Jesse Bultsma (5-9) bring a second year of experience. Sophomore Kortney Deurloo (5-10) will likely impact the lineup as a good defender and finisher around the basket.

OUTLOOK: "We are working to become a more consistent shooting team and take care of the ball better," said Coach Buteyn.

F.H. CENTRAL RANGERS

COACH: Roxanne Gallert (sixth year).

2012 RECORD: 17-4 overall, 9-1 in O-K Black.

KEY PLAYERS: After winning four of five conference titles, including three straight O-K Black and an O-K White title before that switch, the Forest Hills Central squad returns to the White. The Rangers return three starters who'll mesh with the new talent on the roster. Third-year point guard Marti Corby (5-10) earned all-conference honors and takes control of the game. She dodges traffic well, penetrating to the basket. Junior guard Mya Udell (5-8), another three-year starter, threatens outside, but can shoot and defend on the inside. Senior post Emily Scannell (5-11) adjusts well with versatility and leads the floor. Three Rangers who will see an increase in minutes include junior guard Allie Wittenbach (5-8), senior guard Roxy Partak (5-2), and sophomore forward Andrea Sietsema (5-10). Wittenbach is a hustler who sets the pace, while Partak will take the shots that are given to her. Sietsema comes on strong and aggressive, when it comes to taking care of business. A trio of underclassmen will also impact the lineup. Sophomore Sophia Sanfilippo (6-0) adds height and strong finishing skills. Freshman guard Jessica Fuller (5-2) has great moves, and freshman guard/forward Rhea Thorton (5-8) sees the floor well.

OUTLOOK: "I'm a defensive promoter, so we practice man-to-man until they can't handle it anymore," said Gallert. "With only nine players, and our tallest being 5-11, we have to find new ways to defend. I'm really excited about our combination of playing experience, and age, and fresh, new players."

CALEDONIA FIGHTING SCOTS

COACH: Joe Harvey (fifth year).

2012 RECORD: 16-7, 9-5 in O-K Gold.

KEY PLAYERS: Not only will Caledonia have to contend in a new conference, but it will do so with a totally new lineup. The Scots said goodbye to eight seniors and the O-K Gold, so the Scots are looking for a fresh start with last year's top bench contributors Hanna Lahiff, Leigha Muller, Sydnee Ellison, and Lexi Bush. Lahiff (5-9) is a four-year forward/guard who will lead as a top shooter and rebounder. Muller (5-11) brings her defensive strengths to under the basket at center, while Bush (5-8) is a sophomore talent with a high basketball I.Q. She will handle the ball as both a good passer and shooter. Ellison (5-9) should return to the lineup in January, after recovering from ACL knee surgery. Moving up from the junior-varsity, Keagan Pontius (5-7) has a good head for the game at point guard and is a lock-down defender, while senior Miranda Johnson (6-0) is an athletic presence in the paint, with a great touch around the basket.

OUTLOOK: "Caledonia is a team in transition this year," said coach Joe Harvey. "We will be looking for our identity early in the season. We are extremely athletic, very fast, and very competitive. But we'll need to find out who are leaders are and who will evolve into and accept their roles the quickest."

EAST GRAND RAPIDS PIONEERS

COACH: Lindsay Lieffers (third year).

2012 RECORD: 21-1, 10-0 in O-K White.

KEY PLAYERS: After a near-perfect season, which included an O-K White title, the Pioneers bring back only one starter. Senior Janae McEwen (5-4) will run the show once she gets healthy. McEwen suffered a staph infection, but once she takes the court, she brings determination and a strong work ethic. The Pioneers bring back three players from last season's bench. Senior two-guard Lexi Russo (5-6) sees the court well and returns great leadership qualities as she enters the starting lineup. Senior forward/center Elijah Netjes (5-8) has become more knowledgeable during the offseason and will captain the team. Sophomore Claire Farrington (5-6) was brought up midseason last year and stepped into the point guard spot, a role she will reprise this year. Farrington grasps concepts quickly and will continue to lend support. A group of new faces will grace the Pioneers court, including three freshmen and three sophomores.

OUTLOOK: "Our greatest and most important challenge this year will be team chemistry," said Lieffers. "We are fully capable of fusing our veterans with the fresh faces. It will, however, take time and patience throughout this season. These young ladies are fortunately already beginning to display their maturity through bonding with one another, both on and off the court. It's exciting to witness their growth."

LOWELL RED ARROWS

COACH: Jacob Strotheide (first year).

2012 RECORD: 10-12, 5-5 in O-K White.

KEY PLAYERS: When Wyoming Park merged with Rogers this school year, jayvee coach Jacob Strotheide found himself with no team — until Lowell was in need. In his first varsity gig, Strotheide inherits a mix of players to take on the O-K White this season. Senior guard Dani Ordway (5-6) sparks the team in both leadership and her ability to stop opponents' best players defensively. Senior guard Jessica Montgomery (5-7) also offers leadership and is one of the best shooters in the Red Arrow quiver. Junior forward Aubreigh Steed (5-11) is a good finisher and adds versatility. Steed works to get open, successful looks at the basket. Junior guard Abby Petroelje (5-10) is athletic and is able to shoot from outside, as well get to the basket off the dribble. Kate Montgomery (5-6) is back on varsity for her sophomore season, attacking the basket and as a physical defender, while Katie Holzhueter stretches the defense with her shooting range.

OUTLOOK: "I am very excited about the energy and leadership that our team brings," said Strotheide. "The girls have bought into our system. We still have a long way to go, but the enthusiasm to learn and compete is amazing. We have smart players who have played with each other for many years. If we are able to do the little things this year, I believe that we'll be very competitive within our conference."

JENISON WILDCATS

2012 RECORD: 5-16 overall, 1-13 in O-K Red.

COACH: Brad VanTimmeren (first year).

KEY PLAYERS: The Jenison squad is hoping that a new coach, a new conference, and a new lineup will match its enthusiasm coming into the season. Junior guard Joslyn TenBrink (5-7) is the lone returning starter, but she was the team's leading scorer. Senior power forward Katie McKinnon (5-8) was sidelined with injury last year, but is back for her third varsity season. McKinnon attacks the basket well and can finish around the rim. Junior forward McKenna Mattson (5-9) will re-enter the lineup to provide speed and a defensive presence. A trio of senior guards give the Wildcats depth in leadership. Holly Wierenga (5-6), Katlyn Harig (5-2), and Janel Anyalebechi (5-6) come from the bench and will contribute to the team's experience. What sophomore Jessica McCarty (5-4) lacks in experience, she makes up for in handling the ball under pressure. McCarty is an attacker and plays very aggressive as the team's point guard.

OUTLOOK: "Obviously, we are rebuilding," said Brad VanTimmeren, who previously coached the Allendale girls. "The girls are excited to start the season. They spent the summer working hard and preparing. Our strength is in our ability to play defense and put pressure on people and force the action. We want to apply pressure and make sure people don't get open looks."